Control system for automatic washers



Dec. 11, 1962 J. J. DEVERY CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC WASHERS FiledNov. 19, 1959 CYCLE IF fML) Jr (If! 70/ mm flbr m L a an a aarmv (an/mar(14/10 aarx/ mmm'rr aPi/V 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. MAME)? 1/. iii [flyAGE/Yr 3,967,603 CONTROL SYSTEM FGR AUTOMATIC WASHERS James. J. Devery,Ambler, Pa., assignor. by mesne assignments, to Philco Corporation,Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Delaware Filed Nov. 19, 1959, Ser.No. 854,032 6 Ciaims. (Cl. 6-12) This invention relates to automaticclothes washing machines and more particularly to an improved multicyclecontrol system and method of operation.

To provide efficient and effective washing for the different materialsavailable on the market requires a washing machine capable of multicycleoperation. This is conventionally accomplished through the use of atimer Whose 360 of rotation is subdivided into separate washing cyclesor by use of a two speed escapement.

These methods of effecting multicycle operation however have a number ofdisadvantages. When using a subdivided single revolution timer it isnecessary to manually or electrically advance the timer through phasesof the unwanted cycle to the cycle desired, a procedure which is awkwardand inefiicient. Moreover, conventional timers normally operateintermittently on 30 second duration, spaced impulses which advance thetimer to 6 per impulse to provide 60 to 72 equal advances perrevolution. Subdivision of these impulses into a plurality of washcycles each requiring a complete sequence of washing steps results intoo short a time duration for the individual operations making up theindividual wash cycles. Consequently proper timing of each wash cyclecan only be attained by increasing the im pulse interval with the resultthat various portions of the wash cycle become distended. Thisdistortion of the sequencing pattern reduces flexibility, increasespause time and greatly reduces the efliciency of each washing cycle.

In cases where multicycle operation is attained by use of a two speedescapement timer the full 360 of rotation is used for each washingcycle. The change between cycles is normally brought about by a gearreduction in the timer escapement proportionately reducing the timeduration of each phase of the altered washing cycle. The greatestdisadvantage in this type of conversion is that, in order to reduce thewash time in a short cycle run, an excessive time must be designed intoevery other part of the timer function. Present timers of this type arelimited to two Washer cycles that require manual shifting.

Accordingly it is an object of this invention to provide multicycleoperation using the basic mechanism of a single revolution, single cycletimer without the distortion characteristic of prior art techniques.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a timer which willuse the total 360 of rotation for each of a plurality of washing cyclesthereby to eliminate hunting for the desired cycle of operation and toavoid the need for manually or electrically turning past unwanted cycleselections.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a plural cycletimer affording maximum flexibility.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a simple andinexpensive method and means for multiplying the control functions of asingle revolution timer mechanism.

In achievement of the foregoing general objectives I employ in mypreferred embodiment a timer which is basically designed for controllinga cycle having a wash agitation period of maximum duration here chosenas approximately nine minutes. This basic cycle is then modified byrunning the timer for variable periods of 3,967,603 Patented Dec. 11,1962 time during the fill phases of the cycle for the purpose ofmodifying the control time available for subsequent operations. By thistechnique the time remaining for control, for example of the washingfunction, may be varied without adversely affecting the pause time orremaining phases of the wash cycle.

In essence the method aspects of the invention broadly then stoppedwhile the tub continues to fill, the circuit in one embodiment againbeing energized by pressure responsive means actuated by the water inthe tub reaching a predetermined level or by water overflow. There thenremains only six minutes of the total nine minutes originally allocatedfor control of the Washing action. This technique can of course beextended to modify other than the washing function, it being equallyapplicable for example to the rinsing phase of the wash cycle. It shouldalso be noted that this method of varying wash or rinse agitation timemaybe adapted to the conventional two speed escapement timer and thesingle revolution subdivided timer as well as the single revolutionstandard cycle timer hereinafter described.

The specific manner in which the foregoing as well as other objectivesand advantages of the invention can best be achieved will be understoodupon consideration of the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a partially cut away front elevational view of a washingmachine embodying the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a wiring diagram showing one circuit arrangement foreffecting washer operation in accordance with the teachings of thisinvention;

FIGURE 3 illustrates the sequence of operations controlled by themulticycle timer used in the circuit shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 3a depicts an enlarged portion of the sequence chart shown inFIGURE 3 disclosing the key to its interpretation; and

FIGURE 4 is a chart outlining the switching operations effected by thepush button controls used in the illustrated system.

Referring to the drawing, FIGURE 1 shows a wobble type washing machineincluding an outer casing or cabinet 16 housing a fixed tub 11, thislatter member forming an enclosure for the dual Walled rotatablecylinder or wash tub 12. The latter member is of cylindrical shape withinclined walls expanding to increased cross-sectional area at the topand having an inwardly extending peripheral wall portion 13 preventingflotation of clothing over the top edge of the wash tub. A door 17disposed in the upper horizontal wall of the cabinet 10 provides accessto the upwardly presented rotatable tub 12. A drive shaft 18 extendsthrough the bottom portion of the stationary and rotatable tubs 11 and12, its upper portion terminating within rotatable tub 12, and its lowerend portion being cradled in a ball bearing mount 19. The upper end ofthis shaft drives a wobble-plate agitator 25 when the shaft is driven inone direction, and tub 12 is rotated with the agitator for extractionphases of the cycle when the shaft is driven in the opposite direction.

Communicating with a drain port 20 formed in the aoeaeoa U floor of thestationary tub 11 is a boot 21 forming a conduit for the passage ofwater from the tub to the drain pump 22. Connected in the discharge lineof the pump by means of flexible hosing 23 is a pressure switch 24designed for actuation by water overflow from the tub 12.

While a detailed description of the clutch apparatus of the washer, aswell as additional structural features of the agitator and rotatable tubis not necessary for apresent understanding of the invention, referencemay be had for a complete description of such apparatus and by way ofexample, to a copending application of George C. Fields entitled DriveMechanism, bearing Serial No. 740,157, now Patent No. 2,924,086, filedJune 5, 1958 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.Mounted on the face of the back panel 26 of this machine is awater-saver control knob 27 and the step-oriented cluster of pushbuttons 28 affording finger tip selection of the desired washing cyclein accordance with the invention. The timer control knob 29 merelyaffords visual indication of which phase of the wash cycle the machinehas reached. The water-saver control 27 provides three modes of filling,a high or pressure fill position 30 (shown schematically in FIGURE 2)which provides a full tub of water through pressure responsive controlmeans operated by overflow of water from the tub; a low or time fillposition 31 in which the tub is only partially filled with water and astop fill position '32 which permits the inflow of water to be stoppedat any desired level by momentary advance of the control knob.Complementing this water control selection are the six available washingcycles obtainable through manual actuation of any one of the push buttonswitch controls 28.

The circuitry schematically shown in FIGURE 2 is one arrangementdesigned to accomplish multicycle operation employing the basicmechanism of a single cycle timer. The switches are shown in theirnormal rest position. This circuit in conjunction with the charts shownin FIG- URES 3 and 4 will be employed to describe the novel controlsystem constituting a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The push button switching arrangement is such that operation of any oneof the six push buttons 28 automatically actuates the momentary switch Ashown in FIGURE 2. These push buttons reading from top to bottom inFIGURE 1 are designed to provide the following distinctive cycles ofoperation; a soak cycle, a cycle for washing color-fast cottons, one fornon-color fast cottons, one each for wash-and-wear color fast andnon-color fast and a special wash cycle for woolens and silks.

A few representative selections will be discussed to illustrate theoperation of this novel control system. The procedure, assuming forexample that a full load of colorfast cottons are to be washed, is forthe operator to set the water saver control knob on high, the positionshown, in order to provide for a full tub of water, and to depress pushbutton No. II. Circuit breaker switch is normally in the closed positionexcept when opened under overload conditions in which situation it mustbe manually reset. This serves to actuate the momentary switch Aenergizing the relay coil 33, cam switch 9 being in position 9B, whichcloses contacts 34 and 35 by-passing switch A. The No. II push buttonselection as shown in the chart in FIGURE 4, eifects, in addition to themomentary actuation of switch A, closure of switches B, D, E, and H. Assoon as button II is depressed the hot water solenoid 36 is energized.The cold water solenoid 37 remains inoperative during this phase of theselected wash cycle. By reference to the sequence chart of FIGURE 3,taken with the schematic diagram of FIGURE 2, it will be seen that theelectrical circuit to the hot water solenoid 36 is completed through thecam operated switch contacts 4T and 7B and thence through the motorstart winding 38 via switch contacts 5B and 3B to the other side 39 ofthe voltage supply. The timer motor 40 is in series connection with thesolenoids during this portion of the wash cycle through closure of camcontact 2T, connection E, closed by operation of the push buttoncontrolled switch blade 48, and switch 41 which is closed by theWater-Saver control setting. Switch 41 is physically associated with thewater control knob 27 and is closed when the control switch 30 is in theHigh position shown or when switch 36 is momentarily advanced to theFill-Stop position 32. It is open when the control knob 27 is set on theLow- Time position 31. The impedance of the water-valve solenoids issuch that when the timer motor 40 or drive motor 42 is connected inseries circuit with the solenoids the voltage reaching the motors isinsufficient to initiate their operation. Hence, during the filloperation the timer 40 and drive motor 42 are inoperative until thewater pressure control switch 24 is closed by Water overflow or theoperator manually advances the control knob 27 to the Stop-Fill position32. Either of these actions energizes the drive motor and timer motor byby-passing the bank of solenoids permitting full line voltage to reachthe motors. Once the drive motor is energized the centrifugal hold-inswitch 44 closes maintaining the solenoidbridging circuit.

At the end of the first three minutes of wash-agitation switch 2 iscammed from position 2T to 2B, the circuit to the timer then beingthrough line 45 and closed contacts 2B and 1B. After six more minutes ofwash-agitation switch blades 3 and 5 are moved by the timer mechanisminto a neutral position breaking the circuit to the motor. The switchesare maintained in this de-energized position for 30 seconds to permitthe motor to come to rest. Cam switch 6 is simultaneously moved from itsneutral position shown, to position 6T at the instant of motorinterruption to prevent solenoid actuation as the motor centrifugalhold-in switch 44 drops out on the motor coming to rest. Cam switch 7 ismoved from position 7B to position 7T to maintain timer operation onsubsequent movement of switch blade 6. On termination of the 30 secondslow down period cam switches 3 and 5 are moved to their top position tocondition the motor for rotation opposite to that employed for agitationin readiness for the extraction phase of the washing cycle. Cam switch 6is concurrently moved to position 613 which through the closed, pushbutton-controlled contact H re-energizes the drive motor through lines46 and 47. After one and a half minutes of spin, contact 4B is closedproducing a 30 second spray rinse to facilitate removal of the soap ordetergent from the wash clothes. The water inlet control is adjusted toadmit 1 /2 gallons of water during this 30 second spray rinse. After afurther five and one half minutes of spin the motor circuit isinterrupted through movement of cam contacts 3, 5 and 6 to a neutralposition. The timer motor is maintained in operation during this periodthrough contacts 7T, 2B and 1B. This operational sequence is followed bya two minute pause period to permit the drum 12 to coast to a stop afterhigh speed extraction. As the motor comes to rest, the cam operatedswitches are positioned to provide current flow through the watersolenoid valves. To provide a warm Water rinse, the cold water valve 37is actuated through movement of cam switch 8 to position 8B foroperation concurrently with the hot water valve 36. During the first twominutes of the pre-rinse agitation fill the timer continues to advanceafter which time its circuit is broken by movement of cam switch 1T toposition 1B, switch 2- at this time still being in position 2T placingthe timer in series circuit with the solenoids.

The filling operation will terminate and rinse agitation begin wheneverthe pressure switch 24 is satisfied, or the Fill-Stop position of theWater-Saver control switch 27 is triggered. A pressure fill takes atotal of approximately five minutes.

With actuation of the pressure switch 24, the solenoids are againby-passed, the timer reactivated and full line voltage applied directlyacross the drive motor. The motor is preset for proper rotation throughmovement of cam switches 3 and 5 to their bottom position. The timer 40is designed to provide two and one half minutes of rinse-agitation.During this period there are two, one half minute-duration spray rinses.Each rinse injects one and one half gallons of water into the tub whichresults in water overflow. A half minute pause follows termination ofthe rinse agitation after which a high speed spin dry of seven minutesduration completes the wash cycle. The last phase of this washingsequence is obtained by cam reversal of switches 3 and 5 to their topposition and cam movement of switch number 6 to position 6T. The motorcircuit is then interrupted by opening of cam switch 93 after which thetimer continues to run for one and one half minutes while the tub comesto rest. The timer then turns itself ofi through movement of cam switchNo. I to position 1B.

In the event only part of a load is to be washed, using the same No. IIpush-button setting, the Water Saver Control is manually placed in theLow-Time position closing contact 31 and opening switch 41. This actionserves to interconnect lines 50 and 51 placing the timer directly acrossthe line and in parallel with the solenoid bank 53 and drive motor 42which latter elements are connected in series circuit. The timer whenconnected in this manner regulates the filling operation to provide atimed fill of three minutes. Filling is terminated by cam movement ofswitch 2 from connection 2T to position 2B. This serves to shunt thesolenoids energizing the drive motor 42 to initiate washing. By thistechnique the wash-agitation. time is shortened from nine minutes, asprovided for in the previously discussed wash cycle, to one of only sixminutes duration. By using a portion of the total number of timerimpulses available to control the filling operation, the number ofimpulses available for other operations is decreased proportionately. Inthe immediate example this technique is employed to modify the durationof the wash-agitation phase of the wash cycle. The pause, spray rinseand spin phasesof this cycle are as previously described. The secondfilling operation, preparatory to rinse, however, is also modifiedsothat the timer instead of being run for only two minutes during fillas in the previous case, is. run for three minutes. This is accomplishedthrough connection of contact 1B directly to one side or" the supplyline by means of the Water Saver Control setting. Hence, when switch 1is cammed to position 1B, see FIGURE 2, just prior to the deep rinsephase of the cycle the circuit remains energized throughout theremaining one minute of the three minute filling operation. This actionshortens the rinse agitation phase of the cycle by one minute since thetimer has already run otf one minute of its originally designed totalavailable control time when the rinse agitation phase is initiatedthrough cam movement of switch 2 from position 2T to 2B.

As a further example of this novel technique of providing multicycleoperation using a basic single revolution timer mechanism, assumepush-button number 1V is depressed preparatory to washing a full load ofcolor fast, wash-and-wear garments. This action operates momentaryswitch A, as does actuation of any of the push buttons, and closesswitches A, C, D, F, H, and I. The switching effected by push buttonoperation is shown in FIGURE 4. With control 27 in the High-Pressureposition 30, the current will come directly from line 52 through contactI closed by switch 48, contact 2T and 1B through the timing motor to theother side of the line 39, placing the timer in parallel with thesolenoids. After three minutes of operation, switch 2 is cammed fromposition 2T to 2B to terminate operation of the timing motor by placingit in series circuit with the solenoid bank, until enough water hasentered the container to activate the water pressure control switch 24.When the water pressure control switch closes, the timer is againactuated to control wash agitation for the six minutes of control timeremaining. By this technique a short wash time is provided with a fulltub of water to" produce still another cycle variation. The rinse phaseof the washing cycle is modified in a manner similar to that alreadydiscussed. By this novel expedient it will be seen that multicycleoperation is provided using the of this invention. This circuit permitscontrol over boththe time duration of critical phases of the wash cycleand/or control over the amount of Water for the rinse and washoperations. 1

Briefly reviewed multicycle control is achieved in the illustratedapparatus through the simple expedient of connecting the timer motoreither in parallel or series circuit with the solenoid bank 53 therebyto regulate the operational periods of the timer. Assuming a long washperiod is desired the timer is connected in series with the solenoidbank throughout the fill cycle. This arrangement prevents sufiicientvoltage from reaching the timer to initiate its operation. By thistechnique the amount of control time stored in the timer is leftuntapped until initiation of wash-agitation. Operation of the waterpressure control switch then acts to by-pass the solenoid and serves toapply full line voltage to both the timer motor and drive motor. Onemode of operation is to simply reduce the agitation time withoutafiecting the amount of wash water. This can be done by simplydissipating a portion of the timers total available control time duringthe filling operation preceding the phase of the wash cycle beingmodified. This is accomplished in the illustrated case by connecting thetimer in parallelwith the solenoid bank for that period of time by whichit is desired to shorten subsequent timer controlled phases of the washcycle. When the timer has run the prescribed period of time it isswitched into series connection with the solenoid bank. This actionserves to cut off the timer until the pressure switch is satisfied orthefill-stop switch ismanually tripped. Multicycle opera'' tion is thusobtained by adding a single cam and an associated pair of contacts, thedesired switching sequence being readily provided for by push buttonconditioning of associated circuitry.

To provide control of both the amount of water and the length of thewash and rinse agitation phases of the cycle, the timer is simplyconnected in parallel with the solenoids and the solenoids shuntedthrough cam actuation of switching after the desired period of fill hasbeen reached. This provides time-controlled fill and at the same timeremoves that period of time allocated for filling from the subsequentwashing phases. There is thus provided a novel system of automatic,multicycle sequencing control which is both simple and inexpensive andone which obviates the limitations of prior art dev1ces.

The term cycle as used in this disclosure refers to a complete sequenceof operations from start to finish in an automatic washer, while theterm phase as used herein relates to one of the operations comprisingthe cycle.

Although the invention has been described with particular reference tospecific circuitry and practice it will be understood by those skilledin the art that the apparatus of the invention may be changed andmodified without departing from the essential scope of the invention asdefined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A control system for multicycle operation of an automatic washer,comprising: electrically controlled valve means for supplying water tosaid washer; pressure responsive means for regulating the level of waterwithin said washer; a single revolution, single cycle timer forsequentially controlling phases of the wash cycle; and means for runningsaid timer during varying periods of time during a fill phase of thewashing cycle for the puraeevgeos Pr pose of dissipating a portion ofthe total control capacity of said timer thereby to modify the durationof a subsequent timer-controlled phase of the wash cycle.

2. A control system for multicycle operation of an automatic washer,comprising: electrically controlled valve means for supplying water tosaid washer; pressure responsive means for regulating the level of waterwithin said washer; a single revolution, single cycle timer forsequentially controlling phases of the wash cycle; and means for runningsaid timer for a predetermined period of time during a fill phase of thewash cycle solely for the purpose of dissipating a portion of the totalcontrol capacity of said timer thereby to modify the duration of asubsequent timer-controlled phase of the wash cycle.

3. A control system for providing multicycle operation of an automaticwasher, comprising: solenoid-controlled valve means for supplying waterto said washer, pressureresponsive means actuatable on water overflowfrom the wash tub of said washer; a timer for sequentially activatingand controlling the duration of phases of the wash cycle, and means forrunning said timer for a predetermined period of time concurrent with apressure-filling phase of the wash cycle thereby to dissipate a portionof the timers total control potential for the purpose of moditying theduration of: a subsequent timer-controlled phase of the wash cycle.

4. A control system for providing multicycle operation of an automaticwasher of the type employing a single cycle timer, comprising: anelectrically driven timer for sequentially activating and controllingthe duration of phases of a' wash cycle; solenoid-controlled water fillmeans having an electrical impedance sufiicient to prevent operation ofsaid timer when connected in series circuit therewith; pressureresponsive means actuatable by the level of the wash water; means forconnecting said timer in parallel circuit relation with said water fillmeans during a portion of a fill phase of the wash cycle to dissipate apart of the timers control capacity in order to modify the duration of asubsequent timer-controlled phase of the wash cycle; and means forconnecting said timer in series with said water fill means during thebalance of said fill cycle to await reactivation on operation of saidpressure responsive meansby the level of the wash water thereby toreinaugurate timer-controlled operation of the modified wash cycle.

5. A control system for providing multicycle operation of an automaticwasher of the type employing a single cycle timer, comprising: anelectrically driven timer for sequentially activating and controllingthe duration of a Wash cycle; solenoid-controlled Water-fill means thesolenoids of which have an electrical impedance sutficient to preventoperation of said timer when connected in series circuit therewith;pressure-responsive means actuatable on water overflow from the wash tubof said washer; means for connecting said timer in parallel circuitrelation with said solenoids during a portion of a fill phase of thewash cycle to dissipate a part of the timers control capacity in orderto modify the duration of a subsequent timer-controlled phase of thewash cycle; and means for connecting said timer in series with saidwater fill means during the balance of said fill cycle to awaitreactivation on operation of said pressure-responsive means by wateroverflow thereby to reinaugurate timer-controlled operation of themodified wash cycle.

6. A control system for multicycle operation of an automatic washer,comprising: means for supplying water to said washer;pressure-responsive means for regulating the level of water within saidwasher; a timer for sequentially controlling the wash cycle; and meansfor running said timer for varying periods of time during a fill-phaseof the washing cycle for the purpose of dissipating a portion of thetotal control capacity of said timer to modify the duration of asubsequent timer-controlled phase of the wash cycle.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,548,651 Chace et a1. Apr. 10, 1951 2,556,490 Chamberlin June 12, 19512,588,535 Kahn Mar. 11, 1952 2,841,003 Conlee July 1, 1958' 2,881,633Warhus Apr. 14, 1959 2 ,955,449 Hen shaw Oct. 11, 1960 OTHER REFERENCESAppliance Manufacturer: The L1,000 Westinghouse Laundromat, January 1959(pages 47, 49, and 51).

